Manning steps up in playoffs

Giants QB has thrown 4 TDs, 0 picks in run

CHANDLER, Ariz. — Giants quarterback Eli Manning didn't get to see the ending of movies Gone Baby Gone or Michael Clayton during Monday's cross-country flight from Newark because of technical difficulties.

He's hoping Sunday's ending to Super Bowl XLII against the undefeated Patriots will be far more satisfying.

"We're very focused on what he have to do," Manning said during his first Super Bowl media session at the team's hotel. "It's exciting to be here, there's no doubt. But we have to understand the goal is not to get to the Super Bowl. The goal is to win the Super Bowl."

Manning, who has taken plenty of hits on and off the field during his first four seasons, admitted that he's been able to "think faster," during his recent three-game playoff winning streak in which he has thrown four touchdown passes without an interception while compiling a 99.2 passer rating.

"I think it's been a progression," Manning said. "As a quarterback, you're taught to think fast, be able to eliminate some of the thought process. Go through your reads quicker, recognize defenses faster. That helps you get the better plays."

Brady practices

Patriots coach Bill Belichick continued to dodge questions about the participation of star quarterback Tom Brady and his much-publicized sprained right ankle in Monday afternoon's practice, but a pool reporter and some of his players gave away the top-secret information.

A pool reporter said that Brady appeared to have a slight limp, but participated in all phases of practice, including jogging the length of the field twice at the end of drills.

"Anytime you see the MVP of the league out there it's huge for the offense," Patriots receiver Wes Welker said. "He looks good - the same dimples and all."

Flu bug

Giants coach Tom Coughlin said that three players have missed recent practices, including rookie cornerback Aaron Ross, because of high temperatures and flu symptoms.

"We have taken precaution. Our medical people have distributed medicine in advance of our plane trip out there," Coughlin said.

Charged up

Patriots safety Rodney Harrison spoke highly about Dolphins quarterback Trent Green, and expressed remorse for a hit that shredded Green's knee in a 1999 exhibition game between the Chargers and Rams. That led to Kurt Warner getting the job and taking the Rams to a victory over the Titans in Super Bowl XXXIII.

"I was a teammate of Trent Green and was very disappointed in that hit that actually occurred," Harrison said. "He turned out to be a terrific quarterback, went on to do some wonderful things, make a lot of money, and so, he really doesn't have any regrets about his career."

Former Dolphins linebacker Junior Seau, who was also Harrison's teammate on the Chargers from 1994-2002, expressed pride in watching Harrison becoming the only player in NFL history with more than 30 interceptions and 30 sacks when he sacked Dolphins quarterback Cleo Lemon on Oct. 21.

"When Rodney came to San Diego he was a snotty-nosed kid running into the wedge on kickoffs. It's been something special to see him grow as a man, so enlightening to me," Seau said.

Harrison expressed a similar pride in teammate linebacker Tedy Bruschi, who is playing his first Super Bowl since battling back from a stroke in February 2005.

"Every time I see this Patriots symbol," Harrison said while taking off his Patriots cap and touching the team's symbol, "it reminds me of Tedy Bruschi and that's what Tedy Bruschi is. He's the heart and soul of our team."